George Washington: First Inaugural Address

( 1789 ) Commentary by John P. Kaminski, University of Wisconsin—Madison

Questions for Further Study

1. Washington singled out the call for a bill of rights as the one specific thing he wanted to see Congress propose and enact as a way to satisfy those who had opposed ratification of the Constitution. What elements of the subsequent Bill of Rights might be considered to have put the objections to rest? For insight, consult James Madison’s Speech to the House of Representatives Proposing a Bill of Rights and George Mason’s “Objections to This Constitution of Government.”
2. Analyze Washington’s five references to God in his First Inaugural Address. How does he refer to God?
3. Compare Washington’s First Inaugural Address with his Farewell Address, given seven years later. Were his concerns and comments similar or different? How had the country changed?

George Washington's First Inaugural Address (National Archives and Records Administration)

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